6 Best Waterproof Laminate Flooring Brands of 2022

Waterproof laminate flooring might sound too good to be true, but it is a real product that you can benefit from today. If you’re looking for an engineered flooring option that is durable, attractive, and completely waterproof, this could be the perfect solution for you.

Waterproof laminate flooring is a great alternative to natural flooring options like hardwood or stone. Laminate is a far cheaper alternative, and modern laminate floors can effectively mimic the appearance of practically any natural flooring option.

Read on to find out more about waterproof laminate flooring and some of the best laminate brands to consider in 2022 and beyond!

What Is Laminate Flooring and Is It Really Waterproof?

Laminate has always been known for being affordable, but it might not be the first thing you think of when you picture luxurious and durable flooring. However, laminate flooring has come a long way, and today, it offers a range of advantages, including waterproof qualities.

Laminate is made primarily of synthetic materials, although many laminate floors also contain natural products such as wood and stone. Traditionally, most laminate floors are not waterproof, but specialty waterproof laminate floors have now come onto the market.

Waterproof laminate flooring can withstand everything from spills to standing water thanks to a combination of multiple layers, carefully chosen materials, and special coatings.

If you want a fully waterproof floor that you can install in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, it’s essential to choose a laminate floor that is protected on all sides. If any part of your floor is not protected by waterproof materials, it is merely water-resistant (at best).

Hybrid Laminate Floors Are Some of the Best Options for Waterproofing!

Hybrid floors are some of the most innovative products in the engineered flooring space. As the name suggests, hybrid floors combine qualities of multiple types of floors.

Hybrid floors combining the qualities of laminate and vinyl are some of the best on the market today, with hybrid waterproof flooring offering an excellent solution for properties of all kinds.

You can invest in hybrid laminate planks that resemble hardwood flooring in practically every way. These planks come in a range of lengths and thicknesses to suit any room.

These Are 6 of the Best Waterproof Laminate Brands on the Market Today!

The products we’ve listed below represent the best of the best when it comes to waterproof laminate flooring and hybrid waterproof laminate floors. Choose any of these product lines for 100% waterproofing and a high-quality, premium-looking finish.

1. AquaLife Hybrid

AquaLife Hybrid is what you get when you combine the best elements of laminate floating floors and luxury vinyl planks. As well as being 100% waterproof, AquaLife Hybrid flooring resists dents thanks to the Aluminium Oxide present in the wear layer. For fast, easy, and seamless installations in wet and dry environments, AquaLife Hybrid is a great option.

2. AquaSmart+ Hybrid

AquaSmart+ is another hybrid flooring option that can enhance every room of your home. This flooring range features incredible acoustics, easy installation, underfoot comfort, and strength and stability. Its commercial-grade wear layer allows it to withstand wear and tear in even the busiest home, while cleaning is as easy as wiping the surface down with a mop.

This hybrid waterproof laminate flooring features a wood and plastic composite core and comes in an attractive tile design. It also comes with matching waterproof trims. AquaSmart+ is perfect for residential environments and can perform just as well in retail spaces, office buildings, and aged care settings.

3. Artloc Hybrid

If you want a hybrid laminate floor that is inspired by Blackbutt, Sassafras, and other natural timbers, look no further than the Artloc range. The authentic timber look is easy to achieve with this seamless flooring range. It boasts an easy-to-clean surface, resistance to dents and scratches, and a production process that is free from Phthalate and other harmful materials.

Once again, this is 100% waterproof flooring that comes with the option to purchase matching waterproof scotia. Growing families and busy households will love this flooring option! 

4. Coreflex Hybrid

The Coreflex Hybrid range comes with a lifetime residential warranty, and that tells you everything you need to know about the quality of this flooring.

If you want a floor that is quiet and comfortable underfoot while being highly resistant to damage and easy to maintain, this is a great option for you. Installation is also a breeze with Coreflex Hybrid. There’s no need for adhesives or underlay, meaning you can enjoy an authentic, timber-style floor in no time at all. Busy families, heavy foot traffic, and of course, water, are all no match for the Coreflex Hybrid range. Enjoy a laminate vinyl hybrid that delivers complete waterproofing and much, much more!

5. Kenect 5G

Kenect 5G takes inspiration from some of the most beautiful timbers in the world. It is dimensionally and structurally stable at its core, with a surface finish that is more realistic and tactile than ever before.

Most laminates will swell with minimal exposure to water, but this hybrid waterproof laminate flooring will remain undamaged even if fully submerged! Its dropdown installation method makes it easy to install over existing floors (as long as they’re level). It’s so easy to install and remove that you can even take it with you when you move!

Kenect 5G flooring is the perfect option for multi-storey setups, including apartment buildings, as it reduces noise that transfers to rooms on the floor below. 

6. Virtuo Rigid 55 Lock

Choose Virtuo Rigid 55 Lock for every room of the home, especially the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom. You can expect excellent waterproof performance in wet areas, including no warping or swelling. Other benefits of this flooring include an extra protective layer for easy cleaning and a sophisticated embossing and printing technique that offers a realistic timber finish.

Honorable Mentions: Other Laminate Flooring Brands to Consider

When it comes to pure laminate flooring (rather than hybrid products), AquaFloor is one of the best on the market. It offers 168 hours of moisture protection and excellent durability.

Kronoswiss Aquastop laminate flooring is made in Switzerland. It offers water-resistant qualities and planks that look and feel like hardwood.

Villeroy & Boch laminate flooring offers commercial-level abrasion resistance and similar water-resistant qualities to the Kronoswiss range. Meanwhile, the Luxflor Premium Hugo range offers excellent affordability for a water-resistant laminate floor.

Waterproof Laminate Flooring: Final Thoughts

When it comes to waterproof flooring, there are several options available to you. Whether you choose pure laminate or a hybrid floor with laminate and vinyl qualities, you can’t go wrong. 

If you’re looking exclusively for waterproof flooring, make sure you look at the specifications and talk to the supplier when comparing brands. The best brand for you will ultimately depend on your requirements and your budget. You can’t go wrong with any of the brands mentioned above. If you’re looking to get started, simply search for the brands above and choose a trusted supplier today!

Tips for Choosing What Type of Windows Are Best for Your Home

Windows are an important part of your home. They’re the first impression people have of your property and the first thing people see when they come to your home. They can impact the temperature inside of your home and can also add value. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right windows for your home. Here are tips for choosing what type of windows are the best fit for your home.

Don’t Forget About the Aesthetics

This should go without saying. If you’re going to buy a certain type of window, you better love how they look. It doesn’t matter if they have a high insulation factor, are easy to install, or have a low price. If they don’t look good, you don’t want them on your property. That said, not all windows have to be pretty. Sometimes people need functional windows that can get the job done without much fanfare. It’s a good idea to visit a shop that offers a large selection of window designs. That way, you can get a feel for what your style is. Another way you can decide what style of windows you like is to drive around your neighborhood. Look for homes that stand out to you and try to match the windows on your own home. 

Think About the Materials

Remember, there are many options when it comes to shopping for windows. Different types of materials, aside from glass, are being used to make new types of windows. The cheapest window is still the most popular – glass. But you’re not going to want to use it on your entire home because it would be too expensive. That’s why you need to choose different window materials for different purposes. You wouldn’t want all your interior windows made out of aluminum and your exterior windows made out of wood, right? Talk to a professional to get feedback and suggestions for materials for your windows. You will want to choose something durable that will last many years to come. 

Think About the Design

You want your windows to match the rest of your home, but you also want them to look good. That’s why it’s important to think about the design of a window more than its function when choosing what type of window is best for your property. After all, you don’t want to be replacing your windows every few years just because you got carried away with a strong urge to add a touch of style for a new bathroom or kitchen remodel. If you live in an older home with a unique character, you will want to hold on to that charm and find windows that go with the aesthetic. 

Make Sure They Won’t Be Too Hard to Install

This is important if you don’t want to hire someone else to install your new windows. If there are numerous windows around your property, you’ll want to make sure that they’re easy to install. You don’t want to have a hard time installing your new windows or having them break or fall off the first time you have to use them. You also don’t want the window installation process to be too time consuming. You want to make sure you have new windows on your home as soon as the old ones are taken off for security and insulation purposes. 

Know How Well They’ll Be Insulated

You should also look for windows that will be well insulated. If a lot of heat is getting in during the winter, that means more heat is getting out during the summer. The opposite is true, but if it gets too hot in your home during the summer, it can get unbearably cold at night. Replacing windows is one of the best ways to reduce your energy and heating bills. 

Consider Cost

You always need to consider the cost of any home project you do. Be realistic about setting your budget for new windows. Talk to professionals and get estimates for different types of windows. Then, you can choose which ones will best fit the price range you are comfortable with. You don’t want this project to put you into debt, but also don’t want to skimp out and opt for cheaper windows. This will only end up costing you even more money down the road as the windows will need to be replaced sooner than they otherwise would need to. 

These are just some tips for choosing what type of windows are best for your home. Remember that the right windows can make a difference in how your home looks and feels. Make sure you’re choosing the right ones and do plenty of research before settling on your replacement windows. 

Everything you need to know about kitchen decorating

Even if you simply eat takeout and leftovers from restaurants, you undoubtedly spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

They are significant gathering places for friends and family. We spend a lot of time in our kitchens, both alone and with others. All of this implies that learning how to properly design a kitchen is critical. Kitchen designs must not only be functional and make sense in terms of cooking, serving, and clean-up, but they must also be attractive and inviting places to spend time.

It might be difficult to come up with new kitchen ideas since we tend to become trapped in a rut. Renovating a kitchen is a costly and time-consuming project that requires a lot of effort from all parties involved.

Here are some helpful kitchen design tips to ensure that your kitchen décor makes your friends, family, and you want to spend time in one of your home's most vital spaces!

What is the Best Way to Decorate a Kitchen?
Materials Should Be Considered
The materials you select to adorn a space have a significant impact on not just the price and appearance of the item, but also how well it will last over time. Because kitchens are such diverse places, they are extremely significant when considering kitchen décor.

Kitchens are humidified and hotter than most other rooms in the house. Stains and spills are prevalent, as are cases where scratches might be left behind. It's also crucial to be able to clean up stuff so that they don't become disease vectors.

With growing health awareness and improved technology, there are an increasing number of kitchen decorations that can withstand the unique and hectic circumstances of kitchens while still looking fantastic for years.

The devil is in the details, therefore a Copper Stove Hood would be a lovely addition to your kitchen.

Feel free to experiment
Kitchens are such important areas, so feel free to experiment. A spacious kitchen's aesthetics are enhanced by sleek cabinetry and wood rafters.

• Make an open outdoor kitchen if you have the room.

• Create an open kitchen for a more relaxed atmosphere.

• In the center of the kitchen, you may install breakfast seats and a storage island.

• For large kitchens, large windows and beautiful lighting are essential.

• For a large kitchen, consider a U-shaped modular kitchen design.

• Combination hues of beige and stainless steel are a good choice.

• If your kitchen is vast and you have a lot of chefs at home, having many islands is a terrific idea. You can also use dark and dramatic colors to make a large kitchen feel comfortable and welcoming.

When it comes to kitchen décor and design, we all tend to be conservative in our daily lives.

While certain fundamental kitchen design standards are related to practicality and safety, when it comes to your kitchen décor, you should be prepared to think beyond the box.

More designers have recently experimented with innovative ways to decorate a kitchen, including experimenting with various types of décor, imaginative and odd colors, and much more.

Make Lighting a Priority
Lighting is important in every room of your house, but it is especially important in the kitchen. In vast spaces, lighting makes a great impact, and in smaller spaces, it makes an even bigger effect. Bright light, for example, makes rooms appear larger than they are. Lighting is also important for creating the right atmosphere. It can

 transform your kitchen into something ultra-modern, cozy, classic, or personal. It's a crucial aspect of thinking about how to decorate a kitchen.

Look through décor publications and showrooms for kitchen ideas. Professional designers that have a very clear sense of what kitchen designs should appear like typically put together these spaces.

They frequently offer novel and smart twists on concepts from which you may acquire fresh kitchen ideas to help make your kitchen stand out, even if it is designed in a tried and true traditional style. Take a peek at Pinterest for some pretty amazing kitchen design ideas. You'll find some extremely unusual, creative, and innovative kitchen design ideas.

Don't allow your wallet to talk you out of a kitchen design you enjoy when it comes to kitchen styles. While you might not be able to install a certain type of mosaic tile for your backsplash or afford to replace your sink with a country kitchen sink, you can still utilize a variety of tactics and smart kitchen décor decisions to make your kitchen fit into almost any style.

Kitchen styles are the result of several diverse pieces coming together, rather than being produced by a single feature or set-piece. We'll go over some amazing kitchen ideas later on that may help you obtain the kitchen design you desire no matter what your budget is.

Make your kitchen decor work for you.
If you are merely in and out of your kitchen regularly, you have a lot more kitchen design possibilities. If you follow this procedure, your kitchen decorations will seldom get in the way, allowing you to decorate a practically endless number of kitchens. Because you're not in there very often or for very long, there's less chance of knocking items over, destroying them or spilling something on them.

If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, your kitchen decor should also reflect that. Select decorations that are simple to clean and can withstand increasing humidity. Keep them out of the way of things that may knock them down (or into food!). Because kitchen wall decorations are frequently two-dimensional and can be easily kept out of the way of cooking, they are ideal for a busy kitchen.

Choose a Kitchen Design
Kitchens may be styled in a variety of ways. There are country kitchens that are warm, functional, and diverse. Rustic kitchens that are sturdy and cabin-like may be seen in abundance. Modern minimalistic kitchens, as well as some very amazing industrial kitchens, are available.

Knowing which of the various kitchen designs you may discover you want to utilize from the start can assist you in creating a consistent type of décor for your kitchen. This will ensure that you select the appropriate kitchen decorations from the start, rather than wasting money or time on the wrong ones when you choose a kitchen design.

This doesn't mean you have to plan out every detail of your kitchen design ahead of time, but you should have a basic idea of how you want the area to feel. You may not have the cash to replace a specific feature, but by making the proper selections in the rest of your kitchen décor, you will not need to do so to get the desired impact.

The Ideal Shutter Paint Hues According to Experts

Here's something every homeowner should know: your window shutters can make a world of difference in your home aesthetics—you just need to find the perfect hue. Shutters can also function as accents to your home's exterior, and they can be used to add a burst of color and personality to your home.

Painted shutters are often used to match the home's architectural style. However, with a vast assortment of paint colors to choose from, picking the best one can be tricky. When choosing the ideal paint for your shutters, opting for a high-quality paint is recommended. This is crucial because the paint will be constantly exposed to the elements.

Best Paint Colors for Your Shutter

Below are some of the paint shades many experts swear by:

Pale Blue

If you want an eye-catching shade, you can never go wrong with light blue. Pale blue provides a dash of color but still feels casual. Moreover, it's not too soft and not too strong. 

If you want your exterior to stand out, consider pairing pale blue shutters with a red front door. Another great idea would be to bring colorful flowers to the forefront. Since blue is versatile, you will be creating something very charming.

Black

If you want to elevate a white exterior, painting your window shutters black is the way to go. If you have a white house, painting your window shutters black creates a classic look. In addition, black and white are also considered a fail safe combination.

A black and white color combo will make the architectural elements of your home stand out. A rich and heavily pigmented black will highlight the architecture of the shutters and bring attention to its lines and designs.

Smoky Green 

If you have a brick facade, a smoky green will complement it perfectly. The brick and green combination provides a lovely period feel and pleasant contrast. If you want another shade that will make your shutters stand out, consider deep, earthly green. The shade can effectively make your exterior pop.

Gray

If you are looking for a versatile paint color, gray should rank high on your list. Chateau gray would be a good place to start since the gorgeous hue will add depth and character to your home. It is inspired by the shades used by conventional French chateau painters. Gray is also light reflective and soft and will work in virtually any scheme.

Navy

If you want a neutral shade but still want to make a statement, consider painting your shutters navy. The deep and rich color of navy can create a truly classic look and feel. Bold blue also complements most neutral exteriors. 

White

White shutters can make your space look bright, clean, and airy. While white shutters come second in popularity to black ones, they provide timelessness that is hard to match. 

When you trim your window white and combine it with white shutters, you can create the illusion of a larger window. White is considered a superb match for both neutrals and bold colors. 

White shutters would also create a stunning combination when paired with natural wood shakes or stones. Suffice it to say, white shutters are considered a safe bet for most home exteriors. 

Dark Brown

If you want to create a stately look, dark brown shutters are your best option. Dark brown shutters are also common in homes with earth tones. Dark brown is also a great option for homeowners who want a polished look.

Dark brown shutters will complement colors like dark red, light gray, olive green, tan, and other shades of brown. Dark brown shutters will stand out more when combined with stone, stucco, or brown brick.

Red 

Bold and vibrant, red is another popular choice that helps create a classic look. Red is a favorite among many homeowners, and with good reason. Bright red shutters would look great on tan, blue, pale, yellow, stucco, tan, brick, and cream stone.

Dark red shutters work well with the hues mentioned above. In addition, dark red can also complement deeper colors like brown, olive, and navy perfectly.

Purple

Purple shutters are elegant and mysterious. It is also a great option for those who want a bold color that still complements their exterior nicely. Dark purple and plum shutters are considered more versatile than the lighter shades.

Dark purple shutters work well with gray, olive, deep green, brick, stucco, stone,  and tan. Shades of blue and gray will look great when paired with bluish-purple shutters. Violet shutters will look stunning when paired with warm neutrals like cream and tan.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to shutter hues, it is reassuring to know that you have the option to go subtle, bold, contemporary, or classic, depending on what resonates with your personal taste.